If a romantic location combined with no fuss and no stress sounds like your dream wedding, an elopement or micro wedding may be for you.
The Roman Baths and Victoria Art Gallery are both lovely spaces for small and intimate ceremonies and receptions, located right at the centre of the World Heritage city of Bath.
Immerse yourself in the magic of these breath-taking surroundings. Watch the flickering torches and hear the water trickling into the Great Bath as you exchange your vows at an intimate torch-lit ceremony. You and your select number of guests (you will need to provide two witnesses) will gather informally on the Roman paving alongside the thermal waters, soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying your very special moment. While being outdoors, the space is also sheltered, keeping you safe from any wet weather.
Elopements often take place in the morning and following a Sunrise Ceremony and photographs beside the Great Bath, you have the freedom to celebrate as you wish. Why not experience a special wedding breakfast in the iconic Pump Room above or book a private boat on the River Avon? Bath has so much to offer and the choices are endless.
Sunset weddings for slightly larger groups take place at 7.30pm. Following your ceremony, celebratory drinks and photographs, you can enjoy a meal on the enclosed Terrace overlooking the Great Bath. This is a cosy and atmospheric spot to continue your celebrations where you can party until 1am.
More information and pricing can be found on our weddings at the Roman Baths & Pump Room page.
Five reasons to marry at Sunrise
Sunrise ceremonies are an ideal choice for couples looking for a small and intimate or informal wedding celebration. Here are five of our favourite reasons to exchange vows as the sun comes up.
Reason 1
Marry by 9am before the bustle of the day begins and spend a deliciously relaxed day together - either just the two of you or with close family and friends. A Sunrise wedding bypasses the need to plan a day for your guests and the headache of seating plans and playlists – instead think spa day, breakfast at your favourite restaurant, punting down a river or entertaining from your own home….. the possibilities are endless!
Reason 2
Exchange your vows early in the morning then jet off to your honeymoon destination – you’ll be treated like royalty all day long. Don’t forget to let them know when you board your plane – you never know, you may be in for an upgrade or complimentary glass of fizz.
Reason 3
If it’s a matter of economics, a Sunrise wedding can be far cheaper but still magical. A wedding breakfast for your guests won't be as expensive as a wedding reception and party but needn’t be any less special. In summer time and the weather is great, a picnic in the park might just be the best way to celebrate with family and friends.
Reason 4
Photographs taken at first light have a beautiful, ethereal quality. Photographer Amy Sanders who regularly shoots weddings at the Roman Baths in Bath suggests scouting out where the light best falls at your venue early in the morning so that you can be sure to list and capture the best shots. Scout out the ‘wow’ factor before the event – at the Roman Baths all ceremonies are torchlit and when the water from the Great Bath is steaming, the venue is wonderfully atmospheric.
Reason 5
Do something different! Wedding guests and brides and grooms alike, love the quirkiness and romance of a Sunrise wedding . At the Roman Baths, you have exclusive access to a venue rarely available for private hire – without the hustle and bustle of tourists. You’d be surprised at how many people would prefer to opt for a less formal day with room for manoeuvre, rather than attending a military style affair.
Perfect for art lovers and those looking for something a little different, Bath’s beautiful Victoria Art Gallery ticks all the boxes. At this venue, you can have just a couple of guests or many more if you wish for a romantic and informal wedding ceremony. There are a number of interesting artworks in the Upper Gallery’s permanent collection that provide a backdrop for when you exchange your vows. Alternatively, the more contemporary Lower Gallery has a changing programme, so you can choose an exhibition that will suit you!
Following your ceremony, you can enjoy celebratory drinks and nibbles and you are free to choose your own caterer.
We have been organising elopement and intimate weddings for many years and offer a professional and personal experience. Please contact our friendly team for more information and availability.
